Fulong Temple Introduction
The history of Fulong Temple in Kehuli, Zhudong Township begins during the Daoguang Era of the Qing Dynasty in the 14th year of Jiawu (AD 1834). The Tamsui County “Tongzhi” (Li Siyan) was authorized to assign a Cantonese named Jiang Xiuluan to cultivate the southeastern mountain areas of Zhuqian. The official funding provided was one thousand taels of silver, with a Minese person named Zhou Bangzheng also participating in the land reclamation efforts, gathering funds from both Min and Cantonese settlers. This led to a partnership between officials and civilians, known as “Jin Guang Fu” for the officials and “Ken Hao” for the settlers, with Jiang and Zhou being the heads of the respective clans. At that time, the Kehuli area was surrounded by mountains, a central basin densely forested. The indigenous people could easily defend the area from high ground, while the surrounding lands were low, making it difficult for the settlers' forces to enter. They changed their focus to Triangle City, specifically a small place called “Xia Xian Cai” and attacked areas like Shuqilin. That night, the indigenous people saw three kings leading troops descending from the sky, which caused them great fear. In a single night, they retreated without a fight. In the current Wangye Temple area in the indigenous community, an elderly woman who could not move was left behind. After Han Chinese entered Kehuli, they learned from local legends that it was the appearance of the Three Mountain Kings that led to the establishment of a simple temple to worship them, called “Wangye Miao” (King Temple). The remaining land from around the surrounding area was collectively used for temple maintenance for offerings. During the Japanese occupation period, the temple was referred to as “Wangye Chang” and was known for agricultural development in the fertile kehuli area, surrounded by mountains, with streams flowing through which made farming prosperous. This attracted many people to settle in the area, thanks to the blessings of the deities. A route did not yet exist between Zhujian City and Shuqilin; however, there was a cart road connecting Zhujian City to Kehuli, where an established transit station was situated near the Wangye Temple. This facilitated transport of goods from “Dai Ai”, which is now Beipu and Emei. The area was once a center for butchers and general stores during its prosperous times. However, in June of the 21st year of Guangxu (AD 1895), Japanese troops invaded Zhujian City, and residents in Kehuli organized a militia to resist the Japanese. They set up a defensive post on the 7th neighbor mountain, currently known as Aichatu, and opposite the Wangye Temple on a mountain called Gengliao Tu for night defense. The Japanese, angered by the resistance, burned down the Wangye Temple and its surrounding villages. After the end of the turmoil, in May of the 23rd year of Guangxu (AD 1897), community members proposed a fundraising initiative to rebuild the Wangye Temple, constructing a five-room main hall and six horizontal rooms with earthen bricks. By the 23rd year of the Republic of China (AD 1934), on the 25th day of the first month, the statue of San Shan Guo Wang (Three Mountain Kings) was repaired. In May of that year, the Second Appearance of San Shan Guo Wang helped alleviate the suffering of the people, resulting in thousands gathering for offerings. Following Taiwan's restoration in the 35th year of the Republic of China, the temple was renamed Fulong Palace. Due to wind damage and being made from earthen bricks, by the 70th year of the Republic of China (AD 1981), it had become dilapidated and leaked. That year, community members proposed renovations and established the first management committee. In the 79th year of the Republic of China, on the 24th day of the third month, a group from the palace went to participate in pilgrimages at various places on the mainland, including Meizhou Mazu Temple and Nanputuo Temple, and brought back a incense burner for the Three Kings’ Mrs. Back to the temple. On the 27th of November that year, a five-day celebration was held to pray for favorable weather and national prosperity.
